Transform Your Leftovers: The Ultimate Homemade Rotisserie Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

Unlock incredible flavor and significant savings by transforming your leftover rotisserie chicken into a rich, deeply aromatic homemade bone broth. This economical and delicious recipe is a game-changer for any home cook looking to enhance their dishes, boost their health, and minimize food waste. Forget store-bought options; nothing compares to the depth and versatility of a broth crafted right in your own kitchen.

Picture this: a busy weeknight, and the convenience of a juicy rotisserie chicken saves dinner. You’ve enjoyed a fantastic meal, perhaps paired with a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes, leaving everyone satisfied. But then you’re left with the chicken carcass. What becomes of it? For many, it’s destined for the trash, but savvy cooks know that this ‘leftover’ holds a treasure trove of flavor and nutrients, ready to be repurposed into an exceptional homemade bone broth.

Did you know you could easily create a gourmet-quality chicken bone broth using precisely these leftovers? This recipe guides you through the simple process of turning what would typically be discarded into a liquid gold that will elevate countless future meals. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about smart, sustainable, and incredibly flavorful kitchen practices.

Why You Absolutely Need This Rotisserie Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

Making your own bone broth from a leftover rotisserie chicken isn’t just a culinary act; it’s a wise decision that brings numerous benefits to your kitchen, your wallet, and your health. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Unbeatable Economy and Zero Waste: In today’s economic climate, getting the most out of your groceries is paramount. This recipe transforms a used chicken carcass – something typically thrown away – into a valuable ingredient. It’s an ingenious way to stretch your food budget further and embrace a truly zero-waste approach in your cooking. Each rotisserie chicken essentially gives you two meals, or more, from one purchase!
• Superior Flavor Control: Store-bought broths often contain excessive sodium, artificial flavors, and lack the rich, nuanced taste of homemade. By making your own, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor the flavor profile to your exact preferences. You can adjust seasonings, add your favorite herbs, or include specific vegetables, resulting in a broth that is infinitely more delicious and personalized.
• Remarkably Freezer-Friendly: Bone broth is an ideal candidate for meal prep. You can easily make large batches and freeze them in various portion sizes – from ice cube trays for quick flavor boosts to larger containers for soups and stews. This means you always have a high-quality, homemade base ready to go, saving you time and effort on future cooking adventures. Properly stored, it maintains its quality for months.
• A Flavor Powerhouse for All Your Dishes: This isn’t just any stock; it’s a deeply flavorful elixir. The long simmering process extracts maximum flavor from the bones and aromatics, resulting in a rich, savory liquid that will elevate everything it touches. From risottos and gravies to soups and braises, a splash of this homemade bone broth transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
• Abundant Health Benefits: Beyond its incredible taste, homemade bone broth is packed with nutrients. It’s an excellent source of collagen, which breaks down into gelatin during cooking. Gelatin is renowned for supporting gut health, improving joint function, strengthening hair and nails, and promoting healthy skin. The slow extraction process also releases essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a powerful immune booster and a nourishing addition to any diet.
• Simplicity and Satisfaction: Despite its gourmet results, the process is surprisingly simple, especially with modern kitchen equipment like an Instant Pot. There’s an immense sense of satisfaction that comes from creating such a fundamental and versatile ingredient from scratch, knowing exactly what went into it.

Essential Groceries and Ingredients for Your Broth

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of common, wholesome ingredients. While the star is undoubtedly your leftover chicken, the supporting cast of vegetables and spices creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and robust.

Ingredients:

• 1 Each Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Carcass: This is the foundation of your broth. Ensure it includes any remaining skin, bones, and small bits of meat. The roasted flavor from the rotisserie chicken adds an unparalleled depth to the broth that you won’t get from raw chicken bones. Don’t forget any drippings or jelly-like bits from the bottom of the container – they’re pure gold!
• 2 Each Carrots: Roughly chopped. Carrots contribute a natural sweetness and a subtle earthy note, adding complexity and a beautiful golden hue to your broth. No need to peel them if they’re clean, as the peels contain extra nutrients.
• 1 Each Yellow Onion: Roughly chopped. Onions are a quintessential aromatic, providing a savory base and significant depth of flavor. Leave the skins on for extra color and flavor, just ensure they are thoroughly washed.
• 2 Ribs Celery: Roughly chopped. Celery rounds out the classic mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), offering a fresh, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the chicken.
• 4 Cloves Garlic: Crushed. Garlic is a powerful flavor enhancer, adding a pungent, savory aroma that is essential for a robust broth. Crushing them slightly helps release their oils and flavor more effectively.
• 3 Each Large Bay Leaves: These fragrant leaves impart a subtle, almost floral, and slightly bitter note that adds sophistication to the overall flavor of the broth.
• 10 Each Whole Black Peppercorns: Peppercorns add a gentle warmth and a hint of spice without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor. Whole peppercorns are preferred over ground pepper to avoid a cloudy broth.
• 2 Teaspoons Salt: Essential for seasoning the broth and drawing out the flavors of the other ingredients. You can always adjust the salt content later, so starting with a moderate amount is key.
• Water: Enough to cover all ingredients. Water is the medium that extracts all the wonderful flavors and nutrients from your ingredients during the long cooking process.

These ingredients form the classic foundation, but feel free to add other vegetable scraps you might have on hand, such as leek greens, parsley stems, or mushroom stems, for an even richer profile.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions: Crafting Your Bone Broth

Creating a flavorful rotisserie chicken bone broth is a straightforward process, whether you opt for the speed of an Instant Pot or the traditional simmer on the stovetop. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a rich and aromatic broth every time.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather your leftover rotisserie chicken carcass (including all bones, skin, and any remaining meat), roughly chopped carrots, yellow onion, celery, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and salt. Ensure your vegetables are cleaned but remember there’s no need for perfect chopping or peeling, as they will be strained out later.
2. Load the Pot: Carefully place the chicken carcass and all the prepared ingredients into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. If you’re using a large stock pot for stovetop cooking, place them directly into the pot.
3. Add Water: Pour enough cold water over all the ingredients to fully submerge them. For an Instant Pot, make sure not to exceed the “Max Fill” line to ensure safe operation. If using a stock pot, ensure all solids are covered by at least an inch or two of water.
4. Pressure Cook (Instant Pot Method):
   • Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the vent to the “Sealing” position.
   • Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting.
   • Adjust the cooking time to 4 hours on high pressure. This extended cooking time is crucial for extracting maximum flavor and nutrients from the bones.
   • Crucially, ensure the “Keep Warm” function is turned OFF. This prevents the broth from continuing to cook at a low heat after the pressure cycle, which can sometimes lead to an overcooked flavor.
5. Simmer (Stovetop Method):
   • If you’re cooking on the stove, bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat.
   • Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting, allowing the broth to maintain a gentle simmer. The surface of the liquid should show only small, infrequent bubbles.
   • Allow the broth to simmer uncovered (or partially covered to prevent too much evaporation) for at least 12 hours, or even up to 24 hours. The longer simmer time is essential for the stovetop method to achieve the same depth of flavor and nutrient extraction as the Instant Pot. Skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface during the first hour of simmering for a clearer broth.
6. Natural Pressure Release (Instant Pot) or Cooling (Stovetop):
   • For the Instant Pot, once the 4-hour cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, and it’s important for further flavor development and safety. If you are pressed for time, a quick release can be performed after 15-20 minutes of natural release, but natural release is generally preferred for bone broth.
   • For stovetop broth, simply turn off the heat and let the pot cool down for an hour or so before straining.
7. Strain Your Broth: Place a large fine-mesh strainer over a heat-proof bowl or another large pot. Carefully pour the contents of your Instant Pot or stock pot through the strainer. Discard all the solids (bones, vegetables, and spices) – they have given all their goodness to the broth. For an even clearer broth, you can line the strainer with cheesecloth before pouring.
8. Cool and Store: Allow the strained broth to cool down sufficiently at room temperature (this usually takes about an hour or more, as indicated by the cooling time). Once it’s no longer steaming, decant the broth into clean glass mason jars or other airtight containers. Leave some headspace in containers if you plan to freeze it.

Pro Tip: Cultivate a “broth bag” in your freezer! Keep a large resealable bag and throughout the week, add veggie scraps (like carrot peels, onion ends, celery tops, herb stems), and any leftover chicken bones or skin from other meals. When the bag is full, you have a ready-made collection of aromatics and bones for your next batch of homemade broth, making the process even more economical and zero-waste.

Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas to Customize Your Broth

While the basic rotisserie chicken bone broth recipe is superb on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to tailor the flavor to your liking or to use what you have on hand.

• Beef Bones for a Hearty Broth: Instead of chicken, you can easily adapt this recipe to make a rich beef broth or beef stock. Use beef knuckle bones, marrow bones, or even roasted beef bones for an incredibly deep flavor. The cooking times will be similar, aiming for long extraction.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: While bay leaves provide a classic foundation, incorporating other fresh herbs can significantly enhance your broth’s aroma and flavor. Consider sprigs of fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, or even sage. Add them during the last hour of cooking to retain their vibrant notes.
• Chicken Feet for Extra Gelatin: If you’re keen on maximizing the gelatin content (which contributes to that desirable wobbly texture and all those gut-healthy benefits), consider adding chicken feet. They are very inexpensive and packed with collagen. You can use them in conjunction with your rotisserie carcass or as a cheap alternative if you don’t have enough leftover bones.
• Using a Whole Raw Chicken: If cost isn’t a primary concern or if you want a massive batch of broth, you can use a whole raw chicken (or chicken parts like backs, wings, and necks). Be sure to clean the chicken thoroughly first. Roasting the raw chicken bones and carcass for 30-45 minutes before adding them to the pot can add another layer of savory depth to your broth.
• Spicy Kick: For a broth with a bit of a kick, add a few dried chili peppers (like arbol or guajillo) or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
• Ginger and Turmeric for an Immune Boost: Incorporate fresh ginger slices and a knob of fresh turmeric (or a teaspoon of ground turmeric) for an anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting broth with a vibrant color and unique flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) at the beginning of the cooking process is believed by some to help draw more minerals and nutrients from the bones into the broth. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the vinegar in the final product.

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Necessary Gear: Equipment for Perfect Broth

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Having the right tools can make the process of crafting homemade bone broth even smoother and more efficient. While this recipe is adaptable to basic kitchen setups, certain pieces of equipment can truly enhance your experience:

• Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): This is my preferred method for making rotisserie chicken bone broth. The high-pressure environment drastically cuts down cooking time from 12+ hours on the stove to just 4 hours, making it incredibly convenient for busy schedules. It also extracts flavor and nutrients very efficiently, often resulting in a richer, more gelatinous broth. Find a highly-rated Instant Pot here.
• Large Stock Pot: If you don’t own an Instant Pot, a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot is essential for stovetop simmering. Opt for one with a capacity of at least 8-12 quarts to accommodate the chicken carcass and vegetables, ensuring plenty of room for water.
• Large Fine-Mesh Strainer: This is crucial for separating the liquid gold from the cooked solids. A fine-mesh strainer ensures a clear broth, free of any small bone fragments or vegetable bits. For extra clarity, you can line it with cheesecloth. Check out this reliable large mesh strainer.
• Mason Jars or Airtight Containers: For storing your finished bone broth, glass mason jars are excellent. They are durable, reusable, and can be safely refrigerated or frozen (ensure to leave headspace if freezing). Any other freezer-safe, airtight containers will also work perfectly. Grab a set of Ball Regular Mouth Mason Jars.
• Ladle: A sturdy ladle will make transferring the broth for straining and bottling much easier and safer, preventing splashes of hot liquid.

Recipes That Shine with Homemade Chicken Broth

Once you’ve made a batch of this incredibly flavorful homemade rotisserie chicken bone broth, you’ll find endless culinary applications. It’s truly a versatile ingredient that can transform a wide array of dishes. Here are some of my favorite recipes where this rich broth truly makes a difference:

But the uses don’t stop there! Consider these additional recipes:

• Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice
• Southern Liver and Onions with Gravy
• Southern Chicken Stew
• Cajun Cornbread Dressing
• Cuban Chicken Soup
• Rice Cooker Jambalaya
• Chicken and Lima Beans

Any recipe calling for chicken broth or stock will be significantly improved by using your homemade version. Its depth of flavor simply cannot be matched by commercial alternatives.

How to Store Your Homemade Bone Broth for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade rotisserie chicken bone broth for an extended period. With these tips, you can ensure freshness and convenience for weeks or even months to come.

• Refrigeration: Once your broth has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers (like mason jars). It will last beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For best results, avoid frequently opening and closing the container, as exposure to air can slightly reduce its shelf life. You’ll often notice a gelatinous texture when it’s cold, which is a sign of a well-made, collagen-rich broth!
• Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Bone broth freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
  • Mason Jars: If using mason jars, ensure they are freezer-safe (wide-mouth jars are generally better) and leave at least 1-2 inches of headspace to allow for expansion as the broth freezes.
  • Freezer Bags: Heavy-duty freezer bags are another excellent option. Fill them, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze, then stack them upright to save space.
  • Ice Cube Trays: For smaller portions perfect for sautéing vegetables, adding to sauces, or a quick sip, freeze cooled broth in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. These broth cubes are incredibly convenient!
• Thawing: To use frozen broth, simply transfer it to the refrigerator the night before, or gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until thawed.

Always ensure your broth is cooled down completely before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth and to protect your other stored foods from temperature fluctuations.

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs About Bone Broth

If you’ve tried this Rotisserie Chicken Bone Broth Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below how it turned out – we love hearing from our readers!

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Serving: 1g | Calories: 29kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 391mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.)

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